You’re the Leader

“You’re The Leader”
3/8/01
Words: Walter Koning

Just another show, another day, another ride, another gig
Just a bunch of kids, a bunch of youths, a bunch of trouble, (just) a bunch of freaks
Where’s the beer? Where’s the stage? Where’s the tab? Where are the girls?
Where’s the party? Where’s the noise? Where’s the fun? Where’s the news?

It ain’t all that they show you on VH-1
It’s a bunch of bands with lousy vocals and a drum
Loud guitars. The amps too loud. Lyrics fall away into the background.
Food prices soar high. Only two people work the booth. Lines grow long.

Just another show, another day, another ride, another gig
Just a bunch of kids, a bunch of youths, a bunch of trouble, (just) a bunch of freaks
Where’s the beer? Where’s the stage? Where’s the tab? Where are the girls?
Where’s the party? Where’s the noise? Where’s the fun? Where’s the news?

Standing on the perimeter you’re lying low, a wallflower waiting for the show
The drum begins. Guitars chime in. The bass plays those rhythmic chords.
Still against the wall, the show seems dull, the masses push, you feel no vibe.
That singer leans into the crowd, slappin’ fives, feeling alive
Energy builds up, the wallflower stands up, the pit shakes up
In the middle of the herd, kids pushing and shoving, kids skankin’ and loving it
All fall forward, the smooshed front line falls back, wave-like swells
You feel the vibe, in the middle, off the wall, someone falls, you pick them up
You feel the vibe, this love, this emotion, the show plays on, you’re in the moment,
Wondering why those kids are still leaning against the wall.

In the moment all feels universal. Whatever you feel everyone feels.
You’re doing it, everyone does, there’s no question.
You’re on the wall, everyone feels like you do.
This show is dull. No energy. No vibe.
You’re not dancing. No one’s dancing. The party’s dull.
You feel the hook, your arm sways, legs get crazed. You’re body movin’.
The room is alive, the party’s rockin’, the energy’s at 10, this show is alive.

It’s all in your head.
You’re in the zone. The energy is yours.
Give some of it and others will follow.
Follow you, you’re the leader.
The show is what you make of it.
Standing on the wall you can’t feel the emotion of it.
Get in the middle of the crowd, amongst the dancing fools, the moshers, in the hot center.
Or go off and turn on a CD, it’ll feel the same.